Amit Shah visits Pahalgam terror attack site, vows strict action

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday visited the site of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam's Baisaran meadow, where terrorists gunned down a group of tourists on Tuesday, killing several innocent lives.

Shah, who arrived by helicopter, conducted an aerial survey of the region before descending onto the meadow, now bearing the scars of the violence.

Amid heightened security, the Home Minister toured the area and was briefed by top officials on the current situation and ongoing operations in the region.

This visit comes just a day after the attack, which is being described as one of the most significant assaults in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the region, as Baisaran, a popular tourist destination, was targeted by terrorists. While the government has yet to release an official death toll, the attack has left the region in a state of mourning.

Before heading to Pahalgam, Amit Shah paid tribute to the victims during a solemn ceremony at the Police Control Room in Srinagar, where he laid wreaths in honor of the deceased.

With a heavy heart, paid last respects to the deceased of the Pahalgam terror attack. Bharat will not bend to terror. The culprits of this dastardly terror attack will not be spared. pic.twitter.com/bFxb2nDT4H

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 23, 2025

Shah also met with the grieving families, expressing his deepest condolences for their tragic loss.

पहलगाम के आतंकी हमले में अपनों को खोने का दर्द हर भारतीय को है। इस दुःख को शब्दों में व्यक्त नहीं किया जा सकता।

मैं अपने इन सभी परिवारों और पूरे देश को विश्वास दिलाता हूँ कि बेगुनाह मासूम लोगों को मारने वाले इन आतंकियों को बिल्कुल बख्शा नहीं जाएगा। pic.twitter.com/Dwkt6Hhj7P

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 23, 2025

Taking to social media, the Union Home Minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to combat terrorism, stating, "With a heavy heart, paid last respects to the deceased of the Pahalgam terror attack. Bharat will not bend to terror. The culprits of this dastardly terror attack will not be spared."

In the aftermath of the attack, a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrived at the site to assist Jammu and Kashmir Police in the investigation. The NIA team, led by a Deputy Inspector General-rank officer, conducted an inspection of the site in Baisaran, which is situated about five kilometers from Pahalgam town.

According to official sources, the NIA team will support the Jammu and Kashmir Police in gathering forensic evidence and identifying those responsible for the attack. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The NIA's involvement underscores the gravity of the situation, as the terror attack is being regarded as one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in the region in nearly two decades. The agency is expected to play a key role in the investigation, conducting a thorough assessment of the site and providing expertise in identifying the perpetrators.